Death toll climbs to 53 after ferry capsizes in Guyana

The death toll from a ferry capsize in Guyana has risen to at least 53, Prime Minister Mark Phillips announced Tuesday. The "MV Barima" was en route from the capital, Georgetown, to Port Kaituma when it overturned on Saturday evening.

An intensive search for survivors was launched Sunday morning. As of Tuesday evening, 76 people had been rescued, a slight decrease from earlier reports of 77. "A total of 53 bodies have been recovered," Phillips stated, adding, "We have registered 76 people who have been rescued up to 6 p.m. today local time."

Confusion has surrounded the number of people on board. The ferry's passenger list indicated 133 individuals, but Public Affairs Minister Juan Edghill stated Monday that this number did not reflect reality. Prime Minister Phillips later expressed certainty that 179 passengers and crew were aboard when the accident occurred.

The cause of the accident remains undetermined as police continue their investigation. Initial reports from the prime minister mentioned that two crew members tested positive for marijuana use. The ferry, reportedly built in 1939 and measuring 40 meters in length, departed Saturday afternoon and sent an emergency call about eight hours later.